0 Followers
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
8.6
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Grimaldi's flagship under the bridge remains a classic New York stop for coal-fired pies with a crackling crust and tangy sauce. Tourists and longtime regulars pack the multi-level space for big family-style pizzas and old-school New York ambiance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Traditional coal-fired Margherita pizza, Pepperoni pizza, Calzone with ricotta and mozzarella
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Long-running coal-oven institution that helped put DUMBO pizza on the map.
Who should go: First-time visitors wanting a classic New York coal-oven stop.
When to visit: Midafternoon or early evening before peak bridge-walk crowds.
What to order: Traditional Margherita, pepperoni pie, shared salad for the table.
Insider tip: Split a couple of large pies for variety; the crust holds up best eaten on-site.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in DUMBO, especially near the bridge; expect metered spots to be scarce on weekends. Paid garages on Front St. and Pearl St. are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; families, tourists, and locals all dress informally.
Noise level: Lively and often loud, especially during peak hours; conversations are possible but expect a bustling, old-school pizzeria vibe.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes depending on bridge foot traffic and weather; lines form early.
Weekday lunch: Typically 5–15 minutes, with occasional small lines during tourism spikes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—Margherita pies, white pies, and various veggie-topped pizzas are available.
Vegan options: Limited—no vegan cheese, but you can order a cheeseless tomato pie with vegetable toppings.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free pizza crust; not recommended for strict gluten-free diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great if you want a classic New York experience and don’t mind a lively, crowded setting. Not ideal for intimate conversation, but fun for a shared, iconic pizza moment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Grimaldi’s is first-come, first-served. Arrive off-peak (midafternoon or early dinner) to avoid long lines, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—large tables, fast-moving service, and simple, familiar pizzas make it easy for families. No dedicated kids’ menu, but portions work well for sharing.
Best For
Better for: Classic coal-fired pies, big-group dining, and giving visitors an iconic under-the-bridge New York pizza experience.
Skip if: You want quieter, more modern pizza service, gluten-free options, or a spot with shorter lines during peak tourism hours.
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
8.7
Grimaldi’s under the Brooklyn Bridge is the original coal-fired flagship of a now-national chain, still drawing huge late-night crowds for traditional pies baked in a blazing brick oven. The experience is about whole pies, thin crackly crust, and a slightly chaotic, tourist-heavy room that stays busy until 11 pm or midnight on weekends. It’s the high-volume, destination pizza stop when you want classic New York-style pies after dark.
Must-Try Dishes:
Traditional margherita pizza, White pizza with garlic, Brooklyn Bridge pizza with sausage and roasted red peppers
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Original coal-fired brick-oven pies that helped define Brooklyn pizza.
Who should go: Visitors wanting classic New York pies and Brooklyn Bridge views.
When to visit: Late evenings Friday or Saturday for post-bridge walks and crowds.
What to order: Traditional margherita pie, white pizza with garlic, Brooklyn Bridge pie.
Insider tip: Line moves faster for smaller groups; consider sharing larger pies.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking under the bridge is limited and competitive, especially after 6 pm; nearby paid garages on Front St. and Pearl St. are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; most guests come in jeans and layers after walking the waterfront.
Noise level: High-energy with steady chatter and clatter; conversations are possible but not intimate during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes during prime evening hours, especially after 7 pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically 5–15 minutes, though small lines form during tourist surges.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pies can be made fully vegetarian, including margherita and white pies.
Vegan options: Limited — no vegan cheese, but you can request cheeseless pies with veggies.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free crust; not ideal for strict gluten-free diners due to the coal-fired oven environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Good for a fun, iconic Brooklyn experience but not for quiet conversation. The energy, crowds, and coal-oven theater can make it memorable if you're aiming for casual and lively rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they operate on a first-come basis. Lines can be long, but smaller parties move faster; aim for earlier evenings or late-night windows for smoother entry.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 5+ who can handle crowds and noise. Booth seating is limited and there are no high chairs, but families regularly dine here and staff are accustomed to kids.
Best For
Better for: Classic coal-fired New York pies in a historic setting with bustling late-night energy and iconic DUMBO views.
Skip if: You want short waits, quiet dining, gluten-free options, or a more locals-oriented pizza spot without heavy tourist traffic.